By RUSSELL BENNETT
EMERALD’S last game for at least 12 months in the top tier of the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League ended in disappointment on Saturday, going down to Warburton Millgrove by 69 points – 20.21 (141) to 11.6 (72).
The Bombers had to travel to Marysville, more than an hour from Emerald, to “host” the game – given their usual Chandler Reserve base in Avonsleigh, and Cockatoo’s Mountain Road Reserve were both out of action.
Josh Taylor’s men were still in the contest at quarter-time – trailing by just 23 points – but a 43-point second term from the Burras ensured they had a stranglehold on the contest by the main break.
Warburton only kicked two more goals than Emerald in the second half, but the damage was already done. Justin Davis capped off a strong season for the Bombers by booting seven goals to take his 2014 tally to 37, but he was his side’s lone multiple goal-scorer. Luke McKenna has been a clear standout of the Bombers side all season and Saturday was no different, while the Dompietro boys – Mat and Michael – and skipper Caillin Porter also shone.
The Burras booted 20 majors, but with 41 scoring shots should have converted on a lot more. Scott Muir (4 goals) led the way on the scoreboard; while Billy Irving (3); and Matt Wappett, Aaron Pettinella, Isaac Andueza and Tim McKail (2 apiece) each played their roles in a balanced attack. Wappett, McKail, Liam Barnard and James Iacono, meanwhile, were stellar in their side’s big win.
